Combined window-seat



2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

M. BRETHERTON.

COMBINED WINDOWSBAT, BBDSTBAD, AND GOUGH. No. 348,654.

Patented Sept. 7, 1886.

Nv PETERS Plwurulhugnphen washington. D. C.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

Y M. BRETHERTON. COMBINED WINDOW SEAT, BBDSTBAD, AND GOUGH. No. 348,654.

Patented'Sept. 7, 1886.

S E S S E N H W UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

MARTIN BRETHERTON, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

COMBINED WINDOW-SEAT, BEDSTEAD, AND COUCH.

IJLECILFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 348,654, dated September 7, 1886.

(No model.)

.To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, MARTIN BRETHERTON,

`a citizen of the United States, residing in St.

Louis, in the State of Missouri, have invented a new article of nianufactureto wit, a Colnbined Vindow-Seat, Bedstead, and Couch-of the following is a specification.

This invention is an improvement upon a combined window-seat and bedstead invented by me, applications for patent for which have been executed contcmporaneously with the execution of this application, and are led contemporaneously with this, and numbered in Serial 117,463 and 147,465.

The object of the invention upon which this is an improvement is to dispense with the permanent upholstery common in folding beds, and to combine with the ordinary window box or seat a folding bedstead which is free from permanent upholstery, the special purposes of the device being cleanliness and economy of space and cost.

The object of my present improvement is to combine a couch with a window-seat and bedstead possessing all the characteristics and advantages of my above-mentioned invention, so that the improved device may be employed interchangeably as a window-seat, a couch or lounge, and a bedstead.

Generally stated, my present invention consists in a box, chest, or inclosed casing forming the frame of the Window-seat and lounge proper, adapted to containa removable sectional mattress aud the pillows of the bed, when the latter are not in use, and also adapted to form the seat portion of the couch, the said box being provided with a hinged and sectional extensible folding" cover, top, or lid, free from permanent upholstery, which is adapted to be unfolded or extended to form a slat or mattress bearing surface, and being also provided with an adjustable head or pillow rest applied to one of its ends, and adapted either to be folded up against the end of or within the box, or to be extended when it is desired to convert the box into a couch.

In the accompanying drawings I have represented devices conveniently embodying` my invention. i

Figure l is a view in perspective of my device when closed up and in use as a windowbox, showing the pillow-rest so constructed as to be adapted when not in use to lie flat against the outside of one of the ends of the box, (in which latter position it is shown in the said figura) and, if desired, to be concealed by the upholstery of the box. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the said devicepextended to form a bcdstead, the mattress, for clearer illustration, being omitted, and the pillow-rest being shown in the position which it occupies when not in use. Figs. 3 and 4 are side elevational fragmentary details illustrative of the pillow-rest of Figs. l and 2, both when not in use and when extended to support the pillows and form the head portion of the couch. Fig. 5 is a view in perspective of the devices represented in Fig. 4. Figs. 6 and 7 are side sectional elevational fragmentary views representing a slightly-modified form of pillowrest, in Fig. 6 in its unfolded or exteudedposition, and in Fig. 7 in its closed position within the box. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the pillow-rest shown in Figs. 6 and 7, when extended. Fig. S is a transverse sectional elevation of a slightly-modified construction of my device, when the parts which constitute it both a window-seat and a bedstead occupy the positions necessary to convert the device into a window-seat, one section of the mattress being shown on top of the folded cover, and the other sections, as well as the pillows, being shown within the box. Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side sectional detailI illustrative of the movement of the sections of the cover when constructed as in Fig. 8 in the act of unfolding. Fig. l0 is a side sectional elevation of the device of Fig. 8 when the parts are in their unfolded or extended position. Fig. 11 is a side sectional detail view especially illustrative of the devices which permit of the movement of the unfolding section of the device of Fig. 8.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

In order to a proper understanding of my improved device as an entirety, I regard it as proper to describe the construction both of the box itself and of itssectional extensible cover, or, in other words, of those devices which constitute my contrivance both a window-box and a bedstead; but I here state that I do not in this application claim, broadly, the combination of parts which forni a com- IOO bined windowseat and bedstead,as these parts and their subcombinations constitute the subject-matter of my other application for patent hereinbefore mentioned,but describe and herein claim them merely in so far as they are necessary to the production of my present improvcment-to wit, a combined window-box, bedstead, and couch.

Referring now to Fig. 2 of the drawings, which represent my invention as provided with a sectional extensible top made of metal, A represents a box, chest, or iioored frame,of any suitable material, preferably wood, and of such proportions and dimensions as are usual in windowseats, or as may be desired. The box in the form of construction represented in Fig. 2 is provided with a sectional extensible folding lid devoid of fixed or permanent upholstery,and composed of three distinct parts,which are respectively designated B, B', and B2. The first or under section, B, of the lid is hinged to the box, and forms, per se, a hinged top thereof. The second or middle section, B, is also hinged to the box in such manner that its hinged side is parallel and in immediate connection with the hinged side of the rst or under section, B. The third or upper section, B2, of thelid is hinged to the middle section, B.A The under section, B, serves, as stated, as a hinged coverproper for the box, and is adapted to be raised to admit of access to the interior of the box.

The sections B and B2 of the lid are adapted to fold up after the manner indicated in Fig. 9, and to lie fiat upon the under section, B. In other words, these two sections are not only adapted to fold upon each other and down upon the box, but are also adapted to unfold and extend after the manner represented in said Fig. 2, in which case their support in a horizontal plane coincident with the plane of the section B is effected by means of folding legs b b2, which latter, when not so employed for support, are adapted to fold within the sections of the lid. The two outer legs, b2, are conveniently connected by a tie-bar, b3, and the respective legs when unfolded are conveniently retained in suitable relative positions by means of two sets of hinged links, b4 b5 b" L7, which fold against the foldinglegs, and unfold and are adapted to be, as to their outer extremities, hooked upon pins or into suitable keepers, after the manner represented in said Fig. 2.

rllhe frames of the sections of the folding lid are conveniently made of angle-iron,while the actual bearing-surface of each section is conveniently composed of interlaced straps or bands of sheet metal, as will be readily understood by a reference to Fig. 2 of the draw ings. The under section, B, of the lid is of size sufficient to permit of the depending fiange of its frame embracing the upper edges of the box.

All of the foregoing features-viz., the exact method of constructing the several sections of the lid, of hinging them together, and of applying and of retaining in place in extended position the folding legs of the sectionsare matters of mechanical construction, and,while conveniently effectuated by that precise construction which is represented in the drawings, are not necessarily effectuated by such construction only.

D D are respectively a folding head and foot piece, respectively pivoted to the under and upper sections of the lid, and adapted, when the lid is extended, to assume an upright position, as indicated in Fig. 2, or when it is folded to lie iiat between the sections, their office being to retain the sectional mattress, rhereinafter described, in position upon the mattress-carrying surface. I have also represented in Figs. l, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, S, 9, l0, 11, and 12 a slightly-modified col'lstruction, in which the sections of the lid are formed of wood,and in which one of the sections is adapted to swing down within the box. Each of the two outer sections, B and B2, is provided with folding legs b b2, which are pivoted to those sides or faces of the sections which in the act of unfolding become the under sides. These legs are when folded up adapted to lie within recesses bx, suitably formed in the lids.

The wooden frames of which the lids are in this construction formed may contain slats, springs, or their equivalent, or may be made solid, as convenience of manufacture may dic-.

In the form represented the two outer tate. sections, B and B", constitute two-thirds of the n'lattresscarrying surface of thebed. The, other third portion is made up of a pivoted frame, E, adapted ordinarily to fold and descend within the box parallel with one of its longer sides in the manner represented in Figs. 8 and 9, and likewise movable upon its pivotal support, so as to be secured or rested upon the opposite or front side of the box, after the manner represented in Figs. 10 and ll. rlhis resting of the infolding section or pivoted frame is conveniently efl'ectuated by forming a rabbet, eX, along its front sidc,which rabbet shall rest upon the front side of the box, or rest by means of ears, lugs, or kindred projections formed either upon the frame or upon the box, and respectively operating to secure the support of the frame with respect to the side of the box and in a horizontal position. The movement of this pivoted frame, which permits of its being either rested in a horizontal position upon the frontside of the box after themanner represented in Figs. 10 and 1l, or being folded into the box after the manner represented in Figs. S and 9, is rendered possible by providing the frames with laterally-projecting pivot-pins e, whichrest and travel in a long slot, F, formed in the ends of the box or frame, and provided with two notches or pivot-seats, ff', spaced sufficiently far apart to permit of the necessary movement of the frame backward or forward with respect to said slot. Vhen the pivot-pins are engaged in the forward not-ch, j', as represent ed in Figs. 10 and ll, the rabbet c of the frame is in position to rest upon the frontside TOO IIO

of the box. \Vhen,on the contrary, the pivotpins are engaged with the rear notch, f the rabbeted edge of the frame will clear the front side of the box, and the frame can be folded into the box after the manner represented in Figs. 9 and 8. The pivoted frame is also shown provided with a hinged head-board,G, which can either be turned up or folded out, as indicated in Figs. 10 and 11, or be folded fiat or turned in after the manner indicated in Fig. 8.` This head-board, being grasped, can be conveniently used for the manipulation of the pivoted frame with respect to the position of its pivot-pins in the notches of their slot.

The mattress Vis sectional and removable,or not connected with or attached to any part or section of the top, and it and the pillows are adapted to bc contained within the box, as representedin Fig. 8, and are to be introduced therein either after the pivoted frame has been folded in, in the manner representedin Fig. 8, or the section B of Fie. 2 raised.

The pillows are designated by the letter I?, and the sections of the mattress by M M M2.

The mattress is made either in connected or in separate folding sections, but that section M of the mattress which is designed to cover the top of the window-box when closed and to form the seat of the couch should be detached or separate from the other sections, as it isrepresented as being in Fig. S. In the form of my device represented in Fig. 2 the mattress and pillows are also to be stored in the box, there being even more room for them than in the arrangement of my device with the un! folding section E.

lThe best construction of which I now have knowledge is to make the mattressseetions independent sections corresponding in area to the area of each section of the lid, and to place them side by side on said sections when extended. The end pieces serve, as stated, to retain the composite mattress in position. One section of the mattress-wiz., M-is, as stated, conveniently upholstered, as the cushion or seat proper for the window-box, and is provided with a depending lambrequin or plaiting, H, of a depth sufficient to completely cover and conceal all of the edges and joints of the folded sectional lid, all as represented in Fig. l. The box is itself conveniently provided with a skirt, I, or, if desired, is simply covered or otherwise upholstered or finished, as convenience of manufacture may dictate.

All of the foregoing features of construction constitute the essential subject-matter of my other invention, and are, as stated, described because they co-operate with and are essential elements of and incidents to the construction and operation of my present improvement. At one of its ends the box is also provided with a head or pillow rest, J, which may be made and applied in various ways, two of which I have represented.

In the form represented in Figs. l, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the pillow-rest is a light metallic frame composed of vertical slats j and longitudinal slats j,adapted either to be suspended in a plane parallel with the plane of one of the ends of the box in the manner represented in Figs. l, 2, and 3, by means of its upper longitudinal slat upon the looped keeper K, which is secured to the box, or else adapted to be lifted with respect to saidV looped keeper, through the loops of which the vertical slats j, composing said frames, pass,and be supported at any desired angle in, for instance, the manner represented in Figs. 4 and 5, by means of bracket-arms jX pivoted against the vertical slats j, which arms are adapted to be unfolded and are notched at their lower extremities so as to engage when unfolded against a rest-rail, L, which is conveniently applied in the form of a handle to the box, and is secured to the end of the box below the looped keeper and conveniently so as to project through the skirt. When folded up and dropped into the posi tion represented in Figs. l, 2, and 3, the rest is adapted to be concealed from view and covered by the skirt I, which surrounds the box. Vhen the rest is set in its extended position, the pillows or head-cushion, which are coutained within the box, are to be placed upon it, so as to form the head of the lounge or couch, in the manner represented in dotted lines in Fig. 4t. Other contrivances operating to the same result may, however, be substituted in the stead of this particular rest, and in Figs. 6, 7, and 12 I have represented a hinged pillow-rest, the end bars of which are pivoted at p conveniently within slots s, formed in the ends of the box, and are provided with heels 71 adapted to engage against retaining-plates sx or other shoulders suitably formed to receive them and sust-ain the rest as au entirety in any desired extended angular position. This rest is adapted to be folded within the box when not in use, in the manner shown in Fig. 7. The proportions of the box lnay be varied at will. I however find it convenient to make the box four feet six inches long, so that the bed may be four feet six inches wide, and the lounge of ordinary proportions.

In the drawings I have represented the sectional extensible top as composed of three sections. Itis obvious that it' the box be made narrower more than three sections of lid may be employed.

Having now very fully described two convenient constructions of an article embodying my invention, it is proper for me to state that various features of detail hereinbefore described may be varied at will, the gist of the idea residing in the construction of a window box or seat which is provided with a sectional mattress and with a sectional extensible foldtog ing top, lid, or cover devoid of permanent upholstery, and adapted either to fold down upon the box to form the seat of the window box or couch proper or to unfold to forni a bed or mattress carrying surface, the box, when the lid is folded up, serving the purpose of a receptacle to contain the mattresses and other bed furn ture, and which is also provided with an adjustable pillow-rest at one of its ends, whereby the device may be converted into a lounge or couch.

The advantages oi' the device are its coinpactncss and simplicity, and the fact that it is free from permanent upholstery, whereby a greater degree ol' cleanliness than has heretofore been possible in the various so-called folding bcdsteads7 is insured.

I make no claim in this ease to the construction shown in Figs. S, 9, 10, and 1l, nor to that shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 12, the forms shown therein being covered by other applications filed of even date herewith, numbered in Serial 147,463 and 147,465.

Having thus described my invention, Iclaiin and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. In a combined window-seat and lounge,

2o the combination, with a box adapted to contain the necessary pillows and bedding, of a head-rest frame sliding in a keeper-bar attached at its ends to one end of said boX, and Y having braces pivoted upon it and adapted to engage with a support beneath said keeperbar, substantially as specified.

2. The combination, with a convertible window-seat and lounge, of a keeper-bar attached by its ends to one end of said box and having loops at intervals, a frame having bars which lie in said loops, a handle-bar attached to the box below said keeper, and braces pivoted upon the said vframe and having notched ends which engage with said handle-bar, substantially as specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my naine this 3d day of November, A. D. 1884.

MARTIN BRETHERTON.

In presence of- CLEMENT CREssoN, THEoDoi-:E D. JoNEs. 

